1035

"The effect of Lincoln's proclamation upon our slaves...."

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 850.00 USD
 The effect of Lincoln's proclamation upon our slaves....
Splendid, lengthy letter of former Gov. of Virginia John Rutherfoord (note unusual spelling), discussing reuniting husband and wife slaves, fear that his servants will escape in the expected siege of Richmond, a visit from Confederate Secretary of War Seddon - and his stolen dog. Richmond-born, Princeton-educated, Rutherfoord became Acting Gov. of Va. in 1841-42, and served as Pres. of the state's oldest fire insurance firm for three decades. Part of Virginian nobility, Rutherfoord's children variously married Patrick Henry's grandson, and the son of Confederate Gen. Bradley Johnson. A long-time correspondent of Presidents James Madison and John Tyler, Rutherfoord's portrait presides at the Virginia State Library. From Richmond, Dec. 3, 1862, 7 3/4 x 12 3/4, 4 very full pp. Integral address-leaf bearing very fine example of Scott #2 Confederate stamp, 10C/ blue, faintly postmarked in black, wide at left and top, ample at bottom, hairline margin at right; no imprint. To his son J.C. Rutherfoord, P.O. Lock Lomond, Goochland County, Va. "...thanking you for the sundries brought down by Philpotts - the sausage, apples, potatoes, turnips, butter &c. The beef marrow too was very acceptable to all...We sent down to Philpotts Boat on Mon. two Bags, each containing 10 Bales of Cotton...We continue here very much in status quo...We trust that we shall very soon be relieved from our anxiety by the cheering intelligence that (Ann) has passed safely and well through her impending ordeal...As to John 'one of the writer's slaves], I shall have no use for him while the war continues, for I really cannot afford at the present prices for everything to keep horses. I doubt whether my income will suffice to 'make both ends meet' thereafter, certainly not if the inflation of the currency & of prices of everything for man & beast shall continue to increase. If John were here & our city closely besieged, whether captured or not, I should calculate upon losing not only John, but others who might otherwise not be induced to escape. The effect of Lincoln's proclamation upon our slaves will be extremely demoralizing, I think, especially where they may be located at no great distance from the enemy's lines. I should therefore be reticent to hire John in Richmond, tho' he would probably hire well & readily here. I suggest therefore, that you say to him that Rachel is now only on trial here, but that if she will answer our purpose we may keep her permanently as our cook, in which event, if he is not willing to remain at Rock Castle, I will bring him down here, when the war is over, to be my carriage driver, & that until the war is over I cannot afford to keep horses...This I think would be enough to say to him...for it is certainly my present intention to reinstate my carriage & horses (unless too much impoverished by the war) as soon as peace is restored, & rather than separate man & wife, if they wish to live together, I would be willing to bring John down. I have conveyed to John the idea (when he vexed me very much by running off formerly from your overseer Smith) that you were his master...I did not wish him to be running to me for protection...His desire to be with his wife - and vice versa - would be the main inducement with either of us...I would not object to occasioned visits between them, if convenient in all respects to us both. As to their children, I desire that they shall neither be a tax or trouble to you. I suppose they would hire for something here & cost me nothing to feed or clothe them. But you are welcome to their services... The war might unexpectedly terminate sooner than present appearances could indicate. The hope of such an event, with occasional visits, might keep the servants content & patient...I have called to see Mr. Seddon...He has since been here, and spoke with great satisfaction of his very charming visit to Rock Castle...I am much pleased that he is Secy. of War...His quick & clear mind, industry & evergy will enable him in a short time to master the subjects...I do not know the merits of the difference (if any) between the President & Randolph. The subject is not understood by the public...a mere matter of principle, involving the right of the Pres. to supervise commissions to be signed by him, was the origin of the difficulty...Many are looking out for a battle daily. I do not look out for anything but important skirmishing until the enemy shall have effected another change of his base. They will not hazard a battle against the joint forces of Lee & Jackson unless they consider themselves overpowering in number & armament. Much calmness & equanimity prevail here at present in regard to the expected siege of the City, with unbounded confidence in our Army & its Commander...We are greatly in want of a Watch Dog on our lot. I met with a great loss when Rocco was stolen...I will thank you to get one for me & send him down by Philpotts...." Moderate soiling at peaks of folds on address leaf, tears at fold junctions, small internal hole where opened at red wax seal, affecting two words only, else very good. A substantial letter, with added philatelic interest. The extensive John Rutherfoord Papers reside at Duke University.